Basenji Fanconi Syndrome

What is Fanconi Syndrome?
Fanconi Syndrome is the failure of the renal tubules of the kidney to do their job. The renal tubules re-absorb nutrients into the dogs system. These nutrients including protein, glucose amino acids and water-soluble vitamins are essential to maintain normal function. Without proper function these nutrients are lost and left uncontrolled the acid/base blood balance will not be correct and will begin to affect the function of the internal organs. The dogs will loose condition and will eventually succumb to the condition.

What are the signs?
There are a number of signs for Fanconi Syndrome; excessive water drinking, frequent urination and a general loss of condition are all signs of this condition. Prior to the DNA (linkage marker) test being made available most breeders and owners tested their dog's urine once a month. This simple test using diabetic (glucose) strips will indicate if the dog is spilling sugar into the urine. If the srip test poved to be positive then further professional examination of blood glucose spillage should be undertaken; unlike diabetes sugar in the blood is low or normal with Fanconi Syndrome. Some vets have misdiagnosed Fanconi Syndrome as diabetes and offered diabetes treatment, unfortunately, generally with disastrous results.

             What do I do if I suspect my dog to have Fanconi Syndrome?
             Firstly if your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes make sure this diagnosis is correct. Has your vet heard                        of Fanconi Syndrfome? Does he know the signs and has he heard of the control protocol? If the answer                              is no then seek a second opinion from a vet that has experience and/or more knowledge.                              Ensure that the vet has a copy of the Basenji Fanconi Syndrome Protocol which you can down load                              from this website. Contact your breeder.There is also a support group for owners with affected                              dogs write to the following email address fanconidogs-owner@yahoogroups.com to join the list.

                      Before purchasing a puppy I recommend that you ensure that at least one parent has been DNA                  profiled with a 'probable clear result' this will ensure the puppies will not be afflicted by the disease